The Science of Singing: supported by soprano Dame Gwyneth Jones
15 June 2011
On Saturday 18 June, Dame Gwyneth will be joined by vocal scientist Tom Harris to teach a young choir, Solid Harmony, the best techniques to look after their voices into old age. Solid Harmony will celebrate the Wellcome Trust's 75th anniversary with 'The Big Sing', an uplifting public vocal performance of well-known songs made famous by singers born 75 years ago, including Shirley Bassey, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly.
In the afternoon, Dame Gwyneth will host an advanced vocal masterclass, building on the importance of vocal health and the benefits that singing can bring. Professor Martin Birchall, a leading laryngologist, will demonstrate the biomechanics of singing and vocal health.
To complement this event, a Wellcome Trust exhibit installed at St David's Hall, Cardiff, during the week of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, will explore the science of singing and music. Interactive activities for visitors will include the chance to autotune their voice, test their musical perception and try vocal remedies of myth and science at the Remedy Bar. The bar will serve a small selection of cures and aids that have been used by celebrities and professionals alike over the past 75 years, examining the science behind each.
Dame Gwyneth Jones, who will be 75 in November, epitomises the health and wellbeing benefits that singing can bring and the importance of looking after vocal health. At 28 years of age, she replaced Leontyne Price in a New Guilini/Visconti Production of 'Il Trovatore' at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, resulting in immediate international acclaim and the beginning of her long and successful career. Her powerful dramatic soprano voice and stage presence are widely admired, and she continues to be held in professional high regard.
Speaking about the science of singing, Tom Harris says: "In recent years research has continued to show the physical, psychological and emotional benefits that singing can bring. It exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, encouraging oxygen flow into the bloodstream; this aerobic activity has been linked to stress reduction, longevity and better overall health."
Dame Gwyneth Jones says: "I am delighted to be working with the Wellcome Trust to celebrate their 75th anniversary and demonstrate how an informed understanding of proper vocal technique can ensure that singers like myself are able to perform successfully throughout a lengthy career."
Over the past 75 years the Wellcome Trust has funded many groundbreaking projects. One recent success in this area was the Trust's support for Professor Birchall, who developed techniques leading to a pioneering larynx transplant, restoring the voice of a woman who had lost the ability to breathe and speak unaided over 11 years.
Before this, and despite decades of effort, patients with advanced laryngeal disease were continuing to receive surgery whose techniques had not changed for 150 years.
Dates, venues and tickets
Tickets for Dame Gwyneth's 'Science of Singing' masterclass with vocal consultant Tom Harris, on Saturday 18 June, 14.30-15.30, at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, are £5 and available from St David’s Hall box office in person, by phone (029 2087 8444) or by post.
The 'Science of Singing' exhibit and Remedy Bar is open to the public from Monday 13 June until Saturday 18 June, 10.00-19.15, St David's Hall.
The Wellcome Trust 75th Anniversary Summer Series launches with 'The Science of Singing' and runs until September 2011.
Image: Dame Gwyneth Jones.
